TECHNICAL OFFICER (HQ/14/PHE/FT161)

The mission of WHO is the attainment by all peoples of the highest possible level of health.

Vacancy Notice No: HQ/14/PHE/FT161

Title: Technical Officer

Grade: P3

Contract type: Fixed-term Appointment

Duration of contract: 1 year

Date:
31 March 2014

Application Deadline:
21 April 2014Vacancy Filled

Duty Station:
Geneva, Switzerland

Organization unit:

OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME :
The objectives of the global programme on air pollution are to: a) build capacity in countries, particularly within the health sector, for effective engagement in global, regional and national policy processes to address air pollution, its sources and risks to health; b) strengthen the global evidence base on the health impacts of air pollution, its sources and the effectiveness of interventions to address them; and c) monitor and report changes in exposure and health outcomes associated with policy measures taken to address the sources of air pollution, including those in different sectors and settings such as transport, energy, and in the home. The Interventions for Healthy Environments unit (IHE) supports the above work through the provision of technical support to its Member States, development of normative guidance and tools, and provision of authoritative advice on health issues related to air pollution and its sources. Monitoring and reporting on global trends and changes in health outcomes associated with actions taken to address air pollution at the national, regional and global levels is an additional key facet of this. Raise awareness and advocate for health in global partnerships and in different forum, including with other sectors such as transport, energy, and housing.

Description of duties:
- Support the development and piloting of WHO tools and guidance on interventions to address indoor air pollution, including as part of the follow-up and implementation of the WHO Guidelines on Indoor Air Quality for Household Fuel Combustion; - Contribute to a global monitoring and reporting system on indoor air pollution, including the development of indicator frameworks, databases, and reporting structures needed to support it;- Facilitate and contribute to research on the evidence of health impacts of indoor air quality and on the effectiveness of interventions to address them, particularly in relation to household fuel combustion;- Contribute to the development of joint analyses/initiatives on linkages between indoor air pollution and specific health issues, such NCDs and child health, in close collaboration with relevant technical units/departments in WHO;- Facilitate the updating of data and reporting on global burden of disease estimates for indoor air pollution and health;- Assist with the establishment and/or strengthening of a global network of WHO Collaborating Centres on air pollution and health together with relevant Regional Office counterparts;- Identify new resource streams and partners to support the implementation of WHO's global activities on indoor air pollution and health;- Participate on behalf of WHO in global partnerships and initiatives on indoor air pollution and health, such as the Global Alliance for Clean Cookstoves;- Provide technical support to the Regional and Country Offices on matters related to indoor air pollution and health, including support for institutional capacity development and training activities.

Main achievements expected: Technical and operational support provided for the development and implementation of WHO activities on indoor air pollution and health as described above; internal WHO collaboration and relations with external partnerships and networks strengthened in support of this work.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:EssentialFirst university degree in a natural, environmental, social sciences or another related field.

For WHO staff please see e-manual III.4.1, para 220

DesirableAdvanced university degree in public health, epidemiology and/or biostatistics.

Skills:
Thorough knowledge and understanding of environmental health data and risk assessment tools and methodologies. Substantial knowledge of the health impacts of air pollution and demonstrated knowledge of exposure assessments, in particular in relation to indoor air pollution from household fuel combustion. Demonstrated knowledge of the theories, principles, methods, and process of assessing health impacts from exposure to air pollution, e.g. comparative risk assessments; Strong scientific research and writing skills, particularly in the context of systematic reviews of evidence; Experience working with top-level monitoring, national surveys and statistics. Excellent communications skills, both written and spoken; Strong organizational and project management skills; Ability to work harmoniously as a member of a team, adapt to diverse educational and cultural backgrounds and maintain a high standard of personal conduct. In-depth practical and conceptual understanding of the role of WHO globally, regionally and at country level, including its supportive efforts with external partners would be an asset.

WHO competencies:1. Moving forward in a changing environment2. Communicating in a credible and effective way3. Fostering integration and teamwork4. Producing results

Experience:
EssentialAt least five years of experience working on air pollution and health issues, of which some should be at an international level.Experience working with top-level monitoring, national surveys and statistics.

DesirableExperience with household energy interventions including the testing and evaluation of such technologies in the field. Experience working on air pollution issues in the context of multi-stakeholder initiatives on energy poverty, energy access, climate change, and/or sustainable development.

Languages:
EssentialExpert knowledge of English.

DesirableIntermediate knowledge of French.

Additional Information:
Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice.A written test may form part of the screening process. This Vacancy Notice is published in English only.

Post Adjustment:
103.3 % of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

This vacancy notice may be used to fill other similar positions at the same grade level.